Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili - Comfort in a Bowl Recipe

Cozy Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili Recipe for Chilly Days

Chilly evenings call for a comforting bowl of creamy white chicken chili that warms you from the inside out.

This slow-cooker marvel blends tender chicken with hearty beans and a rich, velvety broth.

Spices dance through each spoonful, creating a symphony of flavor that promises pure satisfaction.

white chicken chili delivers a delightful twist on traditional chili recipes, offering a creamy and slightly spicy experience.

Packed with protein and soul-warming goodness, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each bite promises comfort, warmth, and a delicious escape from everyday meal routines.

Prepare to fall in love with this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Crockpot Chili Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: The primary protein that provides a tender and hearty base for the chili.
Beans and Vegetables:
  • Great Northern Beans, Corn, Green Chiles, Onion: These ingredients add texture, sweetness, and a mild spicy kick to the chili.
  • Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Seasonings and Liquids:
  • Salt, Pepper, Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a warm and complex flavor profile.
  • Chicken Broth: Serves as the liquid base that helps cook and infuse flavors into the chili.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the chili.
  • Half and Half: Contributes to the smooth and velvety consistency of the dish.
  • Cilantro: Offers a fresh and bright herb note to balance the rich flavors.

Tools for Cozy Crockpot Chicken Chili

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for making this creamy, hands-off chicken chili.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for shredding chicken and blending cream cheese.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: Used for smoothing out cream cheese with chili liquid.
  • Whisk: Helps create a smooth, creamy texture when mixing cream cheese.
  • Ladle: Helps transfer chili liquid for blending and serving.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, cilantro, and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.

Steps to White Chicken Chili Bliss

Step 1: Prep The Protein

Nestle chicken breasts into the bottom of your crockpot.

Sprinkle a generous blend of seasonings over the chicken:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cumin
  • Oregano
  • Chili powder
  • Cayenne pepper

Coat the chicken thoroughly with these aromatic spices.

Step 2: Layer In The Goodness

Add these ingredients to the slow cooker:
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Great Northern beans
  • Chopped green chiles
  • Corn kernels
  • Chicken broth
  • Fresh cilantro

Gently mix everything to create a harmonious base.

Step 3: Slow And Steady Cooking

Cover the crockpot and let magic happen.

Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Tender Chicken Transformation

Transfer chicken to a mixing bowl.

Shred the meat using two forks, then return it back to the slow cooker.

Step 5: Creamy Comfort Activation

Introduce these luxurious ingredients:
  • Cream cheese
  • Half and half

Stir gently and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes until the chili becomes wonderfully creamy and slightly thickened.

Step 6: Silky Smooth Technique

For an extra luxurious texture, take a small mixing bowl and combine:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Several ladles of hot chili

Whisk until completely smooth, then fold back into the slow cooker.

Add half and half and cook on high for 15 minutes.

Step 7: Serve And Celebrate

Give a final stir and serve hot.

White Chicken Chili Pro Tips

  • Briefly toast cumin and chili powder in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities and intensify the overall taste profile.
  • Temper the cream cheese by gradually mixing hot liquid into it before adding to the slow cooker, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture without curdling.
  • Substitute half and half with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk for a healthier version that maintains a rich, creamy consistency.
  • Use gluten-free chicken broth and verify all ingredient labels to ensure the recipe meets dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper and green chiles to control spiciness, allowing everyone to enjoy the chili according to their personal heat tolerance.

Tasty Twists on Chicken Chili

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese and half and half with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, plant-based version that maintains rich flavor.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Boost heat by adding diced jalapeños, using hot green chiles, and including chipotle powder for an extra kick of flavor.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power: Swap chicken with firm tofu or black beans, and use vegetable broth to create a hearty meat-free alternative that's packed with protein.
  • Lean Protein Option: Use turkey breast instead of chicken for a lower-fat protein source that keeps the chili's classic taste and creamy texture intact.

Serving White Chicken Chili Ideas

  • Party Toppings Playground: Sprinkle shredded cheese, crispy tortilla strips, and fresh chopped cilantro on top for a delightful crunch and burst of flavor.
  • Bread Buddy Brilliance: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crusty sourdough, or garlic toast to soak up the rich, creamy chili and add extra comfort.
  • Garnish Galore: Add a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to elevate the chili's taste and presentation.
  • Quick Meal Companion: Pair with a light green salad or quick pickled vegetables to balance the creamy and hearty chili for a complete and satisfying meal.

Keeping White Chicken Chili Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days, keeping the chili fresh and flavorful.
  • Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with cream for best texture.
  • Pour chili into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F internal temperature.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on personal preference. The recipe uses mild green chiles and optional cayenne pepper. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper or using hotter chiles.

  • Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.

  • Do I need special equipment?

You’ll need a crockpot/slow cooker and basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl and whisk. The recipe is designed to be simple and straightforward for home cooks.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

Why Crockpot White Chicken Chili Comforts

  • Dump and Go Meal that Simplifies Weeknight Cooking
  • Toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, letting the slow cooker do all the work without constant monitoring or complicated techniques.
  • Delivers rich, creamy flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it a perfect family dinner option with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.
  • Customize your bowl with endless topping choices like fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips to match individual preferences and create a personalized dining experience.
  • Combines protein-rich chicken, hearty beans, and vegetables into a single nutritious meal that provides balanced nutrition without multiple cooking steps.
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Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili - Comfort in a Bowl Recipe

Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili – Comfort in a Bowl Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

White chicken chili from Mexico offers a hearty, comforting meal that warms souls on chilly evenings. Slow-cooked ingredients blend perfectly, creating a rich, creamy experience you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat

Beans and Vegetables:

  • 2 (15 ounces/425 grams) cans great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 2 (4 ounces/113 grams) cans diced green chiles (one hot, one mild)
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Creamy Ingredients:

  • 24 ounces (710 milliliters) chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) half and half

Spices and Herbs:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 3/4 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Small handful of fresh cilantro, chopped

Toppings:

  • Sliced jalapenos
  • Sliced avocados
  • Dollop of sour cream
  • Minced fresh cilantro
  • Tortilla strips
  • Shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese

Instructions

  1. Position chicken breasts in the crockpot’s base, generously coating them with a robust blend of salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper for deep flavor infusion.
  2. Layer diced onions, minced garlic, great Northern beans, green chiles, corn, and chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. Sprinkle chopped cilantro throughout and gently mix ingredients.
  3. Secure the crockpot lid and allow the mixture to simmer on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.
  4. Extract chicken from the crockpot into a large bowl, use two forks to meticulously shred the meat, then return the shredded pieces back to the cooking liquid.
  5. Incorporate softened cream cheese by first whisking it with several ladles of hot liquid in a separate bowl until completely smooth, then fold this creamy mixture back into the crockpot.
  6. Pour in half and half, stirring thoroughly to integrate. Continue cooking on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken and develop a luxurious, velvety consistency.
  7. Perform a final gentle stir and ladle into serving bowls, garnishing with preferred toppings for a personalized touch.

Notes

  • Select chicken breasts with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning to personal taste.
  • Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese and half-and-half for a lighter version without compromising creamy texture.
  • Consider alternative proteins like turkey or plant-based options for dietary flexibility and variety.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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